Coast businesses eager to claim their slice of Games gold

GOLD Coast businesses are demanding to know how they can get the most economic benefit from the Commonwealth Games and where the city can diversify its economy after the event.

Traders are also keen to obtain detailed briefings which show if their businesses will be disrupted by road closures before the starter’s gun is fired next April for the sporting program.

Southport Chamber of Commerce president Laird Marshall has welcomed the Going for Gold Legacy Symposium which would produce much needed research about the benefits and legacy of the event.

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along with and Sky News and the Gold Coast Bulletin will later this month host the symposium, which will bring together world class industry and policy leaders to explore how the event impacts on the community, development, infrastructure and employment.

Mr Marshall told the Bulletin: “We would like to be confident that 12 months after the Games we will all be saying that gee that’s great, it’s been terrific and look what we have got out of it, it’s bringing new business and industry to the Gold Coast.”

A recent survey by the Griffith University Business School asked Coast businesses about their confidence that economic benefits would flow in the event.

The poll found 44 per cent of businesses were “very confident”, 31 per cent “confident”, 19 per cent “moderately confident” and only six per cent “not confident”.

Mr Marshall believes that polling will continue to produce positive results as long as the transport plan by Games organisers is promoted among businesses.

“I think the next poll in January and February, we will get more idea of the permanent benefits from the Games and what interruptions will occur from road closures,” he said.

“A lot of the detail is still to be worked on what will be the legacy. It will be great to know what tangible benefits there will be ... We want new 12 months after the industry coming to the Gold Coast.

“We want to see new businesses here to diversify the economic base. We’re looking at having a number of networking functions and some trade exhibitions (during the Games).”

Chamber leaders know Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach rather than Southport will host the major Games promotion events.

But traders in the CBD see their role as organising unofficial functions which can attract Brisbane and overseasbased business operators.

“We want to have some plans together before Christmas. We’re on a roll then. We want to make sure we do a good job and support the business people,” Mr Marshall said.